Elevator Modernizations on the Rise

An overview of several vertical-transportation modernizations delivered by ETA Melco

The vertical-transportation industry has been abuzz with modernization across the world, especially in markets where elevators have been in use for more than 20 years. The U.A.E. (specifically, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah) is a relatively new market, having a limited number of elevators, primarily installed during the late 1970s. ETA Melco is one of the earlier companies to have installed Mitsubishi elevators and escalators for prominent projects in the country. 

The U.A.E.’s growth has forced the world to turn its attention toward its fast-paced metro cities. The first step toward modernization is a process called the “pre-modernization” evaluation. Some of the factors focused on prior to suggesting modernizations are sound, vibration, waiting time, roundtrip time, acceleration, deceleration, door-opening time, etc.

Increasing tenant demands for improved reliability escalates the pressure on facility-management executives. For most riders, a well-serving elevator is always a “faster” elevator. However, the industry knows it is more important to focus on improved destination dispatch, shorter wait times and optimal roundtrip times, etc. Aesthetics are also important to end users. An aesthetically pleasing elevator is not the only expectation of building owners. They also expect fewer breakdowns, more significant safety features, optimal power factors (low energy consumption), reliability and shorter maintenance downtime.

The industry has been particularly focused on code requirements for fire alarms, building-management systems, entrapment rescue procedures, compatibility between older power generators and the latest models of solid-state drives, and local fire-brigade procedures for carrying out pre-modernization evaluations.

ETA Melco has completed many significant modernization projects in its 21 operating countries. Details of a few recently completed and in-progress projects follow.

Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency in Dubai was built in 1980 and operates a hotel, residential apartment (Galleria) and office tower. ETA Melco recently secured a contract to supply 16 elevators here, which is expected to see materials delivered in September. The equipment will feature the following specifications.

Hyall Regency Hotel Tower Guest Elevators (1-5)

Hotel Tower Service Elevators (6-8)

Office Tower Passenger Elevators (9-10)

Residential Tower (Galleria) Passenger Elevators (11-14)

Additional Features

• Security access systems
• Regenerative features
• Remote monitoring (MelEye)
• Time-based service for hotel guest elevators
• CCTV cameras inside cars
• Upgraded safety features in compliance with current regulations
• All car-operating panels are equipped with LCD position indicators.

Service Elevators (15-16)

Bank of Ceylon Headquarters

Built in 1982, the Bank of Ceylon Headquarters in Sri Lanka is one of the country’s landmark buildings and is located near the Presidential Palace. ETA Melco provided the following equipment for elevator modernization, which is scheduled to be completed in August. In addition, all car interiors were upgraded.

Elevators for Levels 1-5

Elevators for Levels 6-8

Elevators for Levels 9-10

Additional Features

• Elevator monitoring system (MelEye)
• Regenerative power options
• Accessibility features for passengers with mobility impairments

Zakum Development Co. Residential Building

Built in 1982, this is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest residential towers and is located on Abu Dhabi Corniche Street. All car interiors were upgraded. In addition, ETA Melco provided the following modernization equipment, which was installed in February:

Additional Features

• Mitsubishi Emergency Landing Device, which brings elevator to nearest landing in the event of a power failure
• Firefighter switch that complies with local codes
• Voice annunciator
• Automatic fan and lights-off controls
• False-call cancellation